UK’s Royal Navy Allows Officers to Wear Sari Under Mess Jackets
In a significant move towards promoting diversity and inclusivity, the UK’s Royal Navy has updated its dress code to allow officers to wear cultural dresses, including saris, under their mess jackets on formal occasions. This policy change is a major step forward in recognizing the diverse backgrounds and cultural identities of officers serving in the Royal Navy.
The news was shared by Jack Kanani, the Chairman of the Royal Navy Race Diversity Network, who posted a picture on social media featuring Honorary Captain Durdana Ansari wearing a sari under her mess jacket. The picture quickly went viral, sparking widespread applause and admiration for the Royal Navy’s bold decision.
Under the new policy, officers are now permitted to wear cultural dresses, including saris, under their mess jackets on formal occasions such as dinners, receptions, and ceremonies. This change is seen as a significant step towards promoting diversity and inclusivity within the Royal Navy, allowing officers to express their cultural identities and feel more comfortable in their uniform.
The policy change is a direct result of the Royal Navy’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. In recent years, the Navy has made significant efforts to increase diversity and promote a culture of inclusivity, recognizing that a diverse workforce is essential for its success.
“The Royal Navy is a global service, and our people come from all over the world,” said Rear Admiral Mike Ellis, the Navy’s Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. “We want our people to feel proud to serve and to feel able to be themselves. This change is a step towards achieving that.”
However, not everyone is pleased with the policy change. Some former senior officers have criticized the decision, stating that it undermines the traditional uniform and compromises the Navy’s professionalism. They argue that the sari is not a traditional part of the Royal Navy’s uniform and that it may cause confusion during formal events.
“This is a ridiculous decision,” said one former senior officer. “The sari has no place in the Royal Navy’s uniform. It’s a uniform that has been worn for centuries, and we shouldn’t be changing it now to accommodate cultural sensitivities.”
Despite the criticism, the Royal Navy remains committed to its policy change. The Navy’s leadership believes that promoting diversity and inclusivity is essential for its success and that allowing officers to wear cultural dresses under their mess jackets is a positive step towards achieving this goal.
“We recognize that our people come from all over the world and have different cultural backgrounds,” said Rear Admiral Ellis. “We want to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and able to be themselves. This change is a step towards achieving that.”
The news of the Royal Navy’s policy change has been widely welcomed by many, who see it as a major step forward in promoting diversity and inclusivity. However, it remains to be seen how the policy will be implemented in practice and whether it will be met with resistance from some quarters.
As the Royal Navy continues to evolve and adapt to changing times, it is clear that promoting diversity and inclusivity will be a key part of its strategy. By allowing officers to wear cultural dresses under their mess jackets, the Navy is sending a powerful message about the importance of diversity and inclusivity.
Source:
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/uk-navy-allows-women-to-wear-saris-as-uniform/story
